Jesus News Blog

Fri, March 18, 2016

Sanhedrin members attempt to match wits with Jesus

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

JERUSALEM, APRIL 3, AD 30

Sanhedrin teams attempted to disrupt Jesus’ teachings today, and their efforts were an embarrassing failure. After a dramatic cleansing of the temple, Jesus began to teach the Passover crowds who were in an atmosphere of quiet attentiveness. About two o’clock this afternoon a group of Sanhedrin elders made their way close to Jesus, and, as is the custom, asked him a question: “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?” It is well established that Jesus has not been officially ordained by the Sanhedrin, so listeners drew close to hear Jesus’ answer.

Jesus asks a counter-question

Jesus replied: “I also wish to ask you a question. If you will answer, then I will tell you by what authority I do these works. Did John the Baptist get his authority from heaven or from men?” The officials drew aside and discussed the question among themselves. Observers who overheard their discussion reported that the priests feared answering Jesus. They reasoned that if they said John’s power came from heaven, Jesus would ask why the Pharisees did not accept him. If they answered John’s authority came from men, the crowd would be very angry, since they generally believed John was a prophet. So, a spokesman said: “Concerning the authority of John, we do not know.” Jesus then declared: “Then neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Crowd is pleased

A murmur of approval went through the crowd when Jesus made his final pronouncement. The Sanhedrin officials asked no more questions of Jesus that day. The general feeling here is that the question asked of Jesus was insincere and Jesus handled it with majestic poise and wisdom. But observers also point out that the cleansing of the temple by Jesus has brought the Sadducees over to the side of the Pharisees. The majority of the Sanhedrin is composed of Sadducees, and now they too are united against Jesus of Nazareth.

(Extract from Chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.)

Fri, March 04, 2016

Jesus: “Money cannot love”

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

NAZARETH, AD 11

A public statement was issued today by Jesus ben Joseph in which he insisted that family considerations forced him to refuse to join the Zealot tax rebellion against Rome. Jesus asserted that his family needed more than material support, they needed the watchcare and guidance of a father. “Money cannot love,” he said, probably a reference to the offer of Isaac, the money lender, to provide the financial support the family needed so that Jesus would be free to join the Zealots.

In a surprise statement, Jesus’ brother James declared his support for Jesus. He stated that the family needed Jesus, and soon there would be five boys, not just one, who could join the Zealot cause. Reaction to the twin announcements was generally positive, but there were notable exceptions. “Jesus will never have the support here he once had,” said one detractor.

Fri, February 19, 2016

Text of unique prayer released

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

NAZARETH, AD 9

Jesus ben Joseph, a local fifteen-year­old boy who amazed the rabbis in Jerusalem with his questions and comments two years ago, has formulated a prayer for his brothers and sisters. Jesus supports the family since the death of his father, Joseph, last year. One of his brothers, James, recited the unique prayer shown at right.

When reached for comment, Jesus noted that prayer is best when it is individual and expresses the feelings and thoughts of the person praying. He cautioned against automatic repetition of a prayer as a substitute for true communion with God.

“Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our bread for tomorrow; Refresh our souls with the water of life. And forgive us our debts As we also have forgiven our debtors. Save us in temptation, Deliver us from evil, And increasingly make us perfect like yourself.”

(Extract from Chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.)

Fri, February 05, 2016

Youth vows to cleanse temple

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

JERUSALEM, AD 7

Unnamed sources report that Jesus ben Joseph, the youth who astounded elders at the temple with his inquiries and comments last week, has vowed to “cleanse the temple.” Reportedly the young Nazarene stood upon the brow of Mount Olivet and made the declaration in the company of his amazed parents. Exactly what he meant by this declaration is not known. One rabbi who heard the report dismissed it as youthful immaturity. “Jesus hinted during the temple discussions that there is too much tradition and dogma surrounding our faith. He did not like what he called ‘secular trade and barter’ taking place in the temple, which he actually called his Father’s house. These reformers come and go, but the God of Israel will never change. Jesus must learn more respect for tradition.” Another rabbi was more vigorous in his reaction: “Just when I thought we were finally rid of him he dares to say such a thing. How impudent! Good riddance. He belongs in Nazareth.”

(Extract from Chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.)

Thu, January 21, 2016

Sacrifice prices have been set

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

Sacrifice prices have been set

JERUSALEM, APRIL 4, AD 7

A rash of complaints greeted the price lists for sacrificial animals at Passover. “It takes a week’s wages to buy two doves that should sell for only a few pennies,” complained one pilgrim from Turkestan. “Once I brought a perfectly good lamb for sacrifice at Passover and had it rejected as ‘blemished.’ I was forced to buy a temple lamb at a ridiculous price.” These allegations were denied by one of the temple priests who owns a sacrificial stand selling animals. “Our animals are guaranteed acceptable, and no further fees are required. This makes our prices a bargain,” he insisted.

Fees of up to 80% are charged for coin conversion

Also, several pilgrims complained that because the one-half shekel head tax must be paid in Jewish currency, the money- changers charged exorbitant prices for the service. Thirty to forty percent is allowed by law, and this may be doubled if change is required. Jewish coin is also necessary to purchase sacrificial animals and to pay tithes. A banker explained that twenty different types of coinage needed to be changed, and the service is important and valuable. “It helps everyone. Much of the profit goes into the temple treasury.” A pilgrim from Parthia commented: “Indeed, the business is profitable. But there is rumored to be unbelievable wealth in the temple treasury. Too many people live in poverty and must pay unfair levies.” Temple authorities dismissed the charges as frivolous. Authorities would not comment on the size of the temple treasury.

(Extract from Chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.)

Fri, January 08, 2016

Galilean child rearing praised

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

Galilean child rearing praised

NAZARETH, 3 BC

The child training system of local Jews was praised yesterday by a visiting Greek educator, Holbar, who was passing through Nazareth. “Few homes can equal the balance of intellectual, moral and religious training found in Galilee,” he said. “It is the custom of the Galilean Jews for the mother to bear the responsibility for a child's training until the fifth birthday, and then, if the child is a boy, the father is responsible for the intellectual and religious education. The mother teaches home training, including the care of plants and animals and weaving. Children use boxes of sand to work out maps and practice at writing Aramaic, Greek, and later on, Hebrew. At seven years old, boys begin their formal education in the synagogue schools until graduation at the age of thirteen. Jewish girls are sometimes home-schooled.

(Extract from Chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.)

Thu, December 17, 2015

The Dayspring from on High

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

Yes, and you, child of promise, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you shall go before the face of the Lord to establish his kingdom;
To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the remission of their sins.
Rejoice in the tender mercy of our God because the dayspring from on high has now visited us,
To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death;
To guide our feet into ways of peace.
And now let your servant depart in peace,
O Lord, according to your word,
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
A light for even the unveiling of the gentiles
And the glory of your people Israel.

Thu, December 03, 2015

Gabriel appears to Elizabeth

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

Gabriel, a brilliant spiritual being, appeared to Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, a temple priest, late in the month of June, 8 BC in the city of Judah. Said Gabriel: “I, Gabriel, have come to announce that you will shortly bear a son who shall be the forerunner of a divine teacher, and you shall call your son John. He will grow up dedicated to the Lord your God, and he will proclaim the coming of the soul-healer of your people and the spirit-liberator of all humankind. Your kinswoman Mary shall be the mother of this child of promise, and I will also appear to her.” This vision greatly frightened Elizabeth. After Gabriel’s departure she turned this experience over in her mind, long pondering the sayings of the majestic visitor, but did not speak of the revelation to anyone save her husband until her subsequent visit with Mary in early February of the following year.

(Extract from Chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.)

Wed, November 25, 2015

Jesus suggests that the human family is the best model for his teachings

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

BETHANY, APRIL, AD 27

Jesus reportedly instructed his disciples that the family is a better model for his teachings than the kingdom. Asked why he used the term “kingdom” so freely, the Master explained that John had already preached the concept of a kingdom, and the Jewish people expected a kingdom. But Jesus declared the kingdom of God to be a spiritual kingdom, not a material one. Jesus suggested that the human family was a better example of God’s relationship to us. Love of God as a Father of this family, and brotherly love among the family members was the idea he presented. “Love one another as you love yourself,” said Jesus. Such love is always manifested as unselfish, loving service, he claimed. Jesus said that a true family has seven aspects, and each has a parallel in the “spiritual family” of the Father in heaven:

1. The fact of existence … the human mortal takes origin in the parents.2. Security and enjoyment … good fathers enjoy providing for their offspring and go so far as to make provisions for their pleasures also.3. Education and training … children learn to accept new responsibilities in life by being exposed to proper education and a developmental methods. Life itself is school.4. Discipline and restraint … wise love guides, restrains and sometimes corrects immature offspring.5. Companionship and loyalty … the wise father listens earnestly to his children, even as does God in heaven.6. Love and mercy … good fathers are forgiving, tolerant, and never hold past errors against their children.7. Provision for the future … a family continues on, good fathers provide for the future of their offspring.

(Extract from Chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.)

Thu, November 12, 2015

Jesus Urges: Be born of the spirit

By Larry Mullins and Joan Batson Mullins

JERUSALEM, APRIL, AD 27

Jesus, the self-assured young teacher from Nazareth, spoke in the temple today. A large throng of listeners were on hand for hours and heard Jesus’ message of comfort and cheer. The powerful sermon impressed many. During his discourse, Jesus was asked how the people could be sure that he was a true teacher. Jesus answered: “By their fruits shall you know them.”

“You must be born again”

Jesus later had a secret conversation with a Sanhedrin member named Nicodemus in which Jesus stated: “Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus replied: “But how can a man be born again when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born.” Jesus said: “Nevertheless, I declare to you, except a man be born of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. But you should not marvel that I said you must be born again from above. When the wind blows, you hear the rustle of the leaves, but you do not see the wind—whence it comes or whither it goes—and so it is with everyone born of the spirit. With the eyes of the flesh you can behold the manifestations of the spirit, but you cannot actually discern the spirit ... Do you have the courage, Nicodemus, to believe in one who has descended from heaven, even the Son of Man?” Nicodemus replied: “But how can I begin to lay hold upon this spirit which is to remake me in preparation for entering into the kingdom?

Jesus answered: “Already does the spirit of the Father in heaven indwell you. If you would be led by this spirit from above, very soon would you begin to see with the eyes of the spirit, and then by the wholehearted choice of spirit guidance would you be born of the spirit since your only purpose in living would be to do the will of your Father who is in heaven. And so finding yourself born of the spirit and happily in the kingdom of God, you would begin to bear in your daily life the abundant fruits of the spirit.” Nicodemus was deeply impressed, but seemed somewhat bewildered.

(Extract from Chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.)